Airline says CPAP will be carry on

ebmeyer · Post by **ebmeyer** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 8:08 pm

dnelms - here's a thought...

I'm going to have to fly in a couple of weeks too, and I plan not to carry a purse, but "purse items" into my CPAP bag, and make that do dual duty during the flight. I'll pack an empty purse into my luggage to use when I arrive at my destination. I'm also thinking of detaching the humidifier and packing that in my luggage as well. Depends - haven't tried it out all yet.

The CPAP bag seems roomy enough, and I hate lugging more than one bag around in airports anyway.

cflame1 · Post by **cflame1** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 8:13 pm

what i did with my stuff when i was flying, was that i packed the laptop and the purse stuff in a knapsack that's setup to handle a laptop. i put the basically empty purse in my packed luggage. that way i had 2 carryon's (knapsack and CPAP bag) only if somebody wanted to give me any grief. I also left the CPAP bag to only contain CPAP stuff incase security wanted to get upset with that.

ebmeyer · Post by **ebmeyer** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 8:40 pm

Basically - it's ditch the purse then I think that's the way to go. I'm gonna try it with one bag, as I don't carry a lap top. We'll see.....

Bookbear · Post by **Bookbear** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 8:56 pm

Good luck on your travels. I fly fairly often for business, and so far have not had a problem with the cpap and TSA or airline people.

Federal law and TSA regulations both specifically exempt cpaps from the carry-on limits. Of course, this only applies to domestic carriers. Foreign flag airlines may set their own policies in their countries, but you were flying in the US.

TSA regulations:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... index.shtm

The Air Carrier Access Act:

http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html ... -000-.html

Specific TSA regulations implementing the Air Carrier Access Act:

http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin ... &TYPE=TEXT

Be polite, but be persistent. EVERY airport MUST have a Dispute Resolution Officer available at all times to deal with complaints pertaining to TSA regs. Ask first to see a supervisor if you are denied the right to carry your cpap with you. If that does not work, ask for the Dispute Resolution Officer. Be polite. Carry a copy of the above cited web pages with you. Politely remind the officials that this comes directly from TSA and the Federal Government, and that all domestic air carriers are required to adhere to TSA regulations.

Noe that cpaps are SPECIFICALLY listed as 'assistive devices':

TSA Regulations specifically state:
"The limit of one carry-on and one personal item (purse, briefcase or computer case) does not apply to medical supplies, equipment, mobility aids or assistive devices carried or used by a person with a disability."

Note that part in bold... you do NOT have to be using the cpap in flight to be able to carry it on without it counting as part of the carry on allowance. The full document can be viewed here: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... index.shtm

Hope this helps!

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 9:46 pm

A small suggestion.

If you suspect that there might be trouble and the CPAP counted as one of your carry-on items (mine was not counted as one when I flew last time) you might want to take the suggestion about bringing a bag large enough for both the cpap and the laptop.

You said that it might be heavy to get in the overhead bin...... Just because you put them together in a bag to get on to the plane doesn' t mean they have to stay in that bag when you get onboard.

Use a flexible bag that you can crunch up once you board, take them out and stow them where you want. In my experience no one will be watching and hassling you. I used to do this with my laptop and pocketbook and pull on a small 21 inch carryone. Once you board, take what you want apart.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP

RoseY · Post by **RoseY** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 3:50 am

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I have emailed the airline again asking them to reconsider their decision. I gave them links and explained very nicely that if I am reading them correctly, I have a right to take my CPAP on the plane without it counting as an extra carry on.

If I get a positive response, I will print that out and take it with me. If not, I will put any necessary purse items in my laptop bag and pack my purse.

Thanks again for your help.

Rose

Sleepy-eyes · Post by **Sleepy-eyes** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 6:04 am

If you get a response, please post it here. I've also experienced a problem with a cpap being counted as carry-on and had to pay $50 to put a small (planned) carry-on bag in checked baggage.

RichCMH · Post by **RichCMH** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 10:33 am

Some humor here, so read on...

from one of those FAA info pages:
Air carriers must ensure that qualified individuals with a disability, including those with vision or hearing disabilities, have timely access to information (such as new security measures) that the carriers provide to other passengers. For example, on flights to Reagan Washington National Airport, persons are verbally warned to use the restrooms more than half an hour before arrival since after that point in time passengers are required to remain in their seats. This can be accomplished through use of carrier personnel or alternative formats, such as visual messaging.

Reminds me of a friend who used to fly the Reagan (DCA) airport route. If anyone gets out of their seat, the flight attendant signals the captain and the aircraft is immediately diverted to Baltimore. My friend said she would make the announcement and add "if Baltimore is not in your travel plans, please stay seated!"

oceanpearl · Post by **oceanpearl** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 10:42 am

Had a problem with the airline right after all the security stuff started. Ended up asking for a supervisor who said that medical devices are exempt from carry on limitations.
I have a letter from my doctor which states that he has prescribed a CPAP for me.

RoseY · Post by **RoseY** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 1:15 pm

After my second email to Airtran, I got the following reply:

Dear Rose, You are correct it looks like after further review you will be allowed to carry on the CPAP machine and it not be part of your carry on. Just do keep in mind all the final decision are made at the airport. If I can assist you further please let me know.Sincerely,
Kevin Paden
Airtran Airways

Thanks everyone for the links and suggestions. Sometimes it pays to be persistant. I'll print out the email and other documents and take them with me. I'm a little concerned that he says the final decision is made at the airport, but at least this is a better response than the first one I got.

RichCMH · Post by **RichCMH** » Wed Mar 21, 2007 3:15 pm

Great!

If this is the case, I would carry the cpap in it's own carrying case only and all other goods in another bag. Don't give them any reason to change their minds.

My ResMed S8 Elite came with a nice travel bag and has side pockets which I did use for documents and a few smaller items. Continental didn't flinch at all.

Just remember the liquid/gel guidlines for carry-on bags!

Bon Voyage!

-Rich

Machine	Mask

Additional Comments: Avg. AHI .4